Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association

Minutes of the Meeting 10/28/2024

Treasurer Stephen Greene convened the meeting at 7:02 PM. 

A motion from Steve Cerand to approve the minutes of the September 23 meeting was seconded and passed unanimously. 

Treasurer Greene reported our bank balance unchanged at $2,342.29 

LPD Captain Daniel Desmarais reported about an incident from earlier in the day at Market and Central Streets where LPD received a call of a suspicious package left on the ground. Out of an abundance of caution, the department called for assistance from the state police who determined nothing nefarious in the package. LPD then reopened the streets and sidewalks. 

Crime stats for the district remained low overall. There were some sporadic fights involving a small group of high school students. The majority of the 11 car breaks were facilitated by owners failing to lock their vehicles. Complaints were issued on 4 suspects accused of assault; another arrest was made for a non life threatening stabbing whose victim left a trail of blood from South Street to Shattuck Street. 

A question about “porch pirates” came up, and the Captain indicated that the department is actively monitoring these activities; he reminded residents the best deterrent is always to have secure arrangements in place for their deliveries. 

Canal liaison Steve Cerand provided another update on the status of the long moribund Eastern Canal. He reported that a series of repairs are planned this month which will be followed by testing to determine if the years-long wait for a fix has been achieved. 

Councilor Wayne Jenness, with Councilor Vesna Nuon, invited members to attend the council’s economic development subcommittee meeting on November 12 at 5:30 PM where a review of the current parking ordinance will be discussed. Among the topics are proposals to expand the parking zones and also to increase meter parking from 2 to 4 hours.

City Engineer Ting Chang presented an overview of an ambitious plan in 2 phases to reconfigure and calm traffic on the mile long stretch of French St/Father Morissette Bvd from Bridge St to Aiken St. The street width would be reduced in places from 68’ to 36’ with bike lanes, drop off lanes and a raised crosswalk at Lucy Larcom Park. The intersection at Arcand Drive (site of LHS) would become a roundabout. 

Peter Aucella, representing the Lowell Summer Music Series, 

posed a few questions and urged the city project management team to work with his organization to minimize disruption to the iconic summer program. Another member urged city capitalize on opportunities to connect this new project with existing access points to The Riverwalk. 

Jack Moynihan was elected to represent LDNA on the Lowell Waterways Initiative committee on a motion from Wayne Jenness. 

Following a few questions and announcements, Treasurer Greene called for a motion to adjourn which quickly passed on a motion by Bob Casey at 8:08pm. 

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Casey,

Secretary

AGENDA – November 25, 7pm at LTC

• Approval of the minutes as written by Bob Casey, Secretary
• Budget update from Treasurer Stephen Greene
• Police Report from Lt. Dawn Beauchesne 
• Introduction from Chris Wyett of the Edge Building, an apartment complex, off Father Morissette Blvd
• Information from Christine Wilkins of Lowell Loves Wildlife about alternatives to rat poisons  
• Updates from Downtown City Councilor Wayne Jeness

Upcoming Events:

City of Lights festival – Saturday, November 30, including the DIY Yuletide Market in JFK Plaza – will result in some street closures

See the LikeLowell or the Mosaic Lowell calendars for all events

NEXT MEETING is Monday, January 27 2025, 7pm at LTC

There will be NO MEETING in December – Happy Holidays

President Laura Lamarre Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. 

The minutes of the March 25 meeting were approved with a correction changing Honda to Hyundai (on a motion and second from Wayne Jenness and Stephen Greene).

Treasurer Greene reported our bank balance unchanged from March, at $2,312.29. 

LPD Lt . Dawn Beauchense reported crime activity at the typical low levels downtown. Most of the cases were cleared with suspects and arrests taken. Some of the illicit deeds involved 3 aggravated assaults and and burglaries along with 5 charges of disorderly conduct. There were 2 Tic Tok inspired car breaks, and the lieutenant again advised Kia and Hyundai owners to install steering wheel locks for added deterrence. The 6 vandalism cases varied from barbecue sauce smeared on a door to rocks hurled through windows. 

A few comments followed, including a note of gratitude for LPD’s response to addressing piles of trash behind the Saab Building and continued monitoring of conditions at 103 Central Street. 

Re: a question about LPD staffing levels, Lt Beauchense indicated a new class with 16 recruits is slated and that the Citizens Academy has started with a new group. 

Francesca Cigliana from the city’s Planning Dept gave an overview of Lowell Forward, the city’s updated 10 year planning document. Her power point presentation covered the history of the project and a summary of the key tenets that will guide the next decade of planning and development in Lowell. With respect to growing our downtown neighborhood: mixed use development, mid rise buildings, and improved pedestrian and transit infrastructures are priorities. 

Upon approval of the Planning Board and City Council, Lowell Forward will be implemented. 

District Councilor Wayne Jenness spoke next with a brief history of Hamilton Canal Innovation District plans and an update of the currently stalled downtown project. The city sold 5 parcels to developer Sal Lupoli in 2020 with the understanding certain parcels would be developed in compliance with a form based plan. To date, only a 6 story garage has been built, leaving 4 lots untouched. The councilor explained that Lupoli is asking for substantial changes to the plans which have left the City Council contemplating whether to agree to the requests or consider terminating the agreement. Wayne asked for input, and the consensus of the meeting was that the city should not yield in its commitment to the original HCID master plan. 

Member Steve Cerand, who is active with the Canal Cleaners and acts as liaison to the owners of the canal system spoke next. He mentioned that the Pawtucket Canal ( which runs behind Jackson and Prescott Streets) has been empty for most of the past year for maintenance and unexpected repairs. His latest info is that repairs should be completed by May 17 with the canal to be filled shortly after. 

Prior to adjournment, former President Jack Moynihan noted 2 important events for downtown: The Town and City Festival (April 26-7); and The Points of Lights celebration at Ecumenical Plaza on May 11. Member Ken Michienzi invited members to check out ProjectMerrimack.org to learn more about water quality, sewer overflow and untreated waste water levels of our mighty river. 

Laura stated there would be no May meeting (due to Memorial Day) and adjourned the meeting at 8:20 on a motion and second from Bob Casey and Steve Cerand. 

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Casey,

Recording Secretary

Meeting to be held at LTC on Market Street, June 24, 2024, 7pm – all are welcome

1. Approval of the minutes as written by Bob Casey, Secretary
2. Budget update from Treasurer Stephen Greene
3. Police Report from Lt. Dawn Beauchesne 
4. Ranger JoAnn Marcos will bring us up to date on summer offerings for LNHP and Folk Festival.  
5. An overview of the proposed Business Improvement District with Ali Carter, Director of Economic Development and Liam Skinner, Downtown/Business Coordinator
   • Focus group questions for downtown Lowell residents that will inform the Downtown Lowell Business Improvement District Steering Committee. Some questions to start thinking about in downtown Lowell:
   • What’s great about downtown Lowell that we want to enhance?
   • What’s not working?
   • What actions would benefit your students and visitors?
6. Some options for spending our money for our neighborhood
   • Clean up and planting in conjunction with the Lowell Litter Crew (with volunteers to adopt the spaces to water and weed through the season)
   • Clean up followed by a Block Party in conjunction with the Lowell Litter Crew
   • LDNA support of the National Park’s Fall Cleanup, and contribute to their cookout afterwards
   • An evening Downtown Business Stroll with a passport to punch and/or refreshments/treats at each participating location funded by LDNA
   • An outdoor social gathering (would require checking on permits and such to see if we could do refreshments, a tent, music, etc)
   • Other ideas?

• Upcoming events in the downtown
  • Lowell Summer Music Series has already begun
  • Free Fun for Kids series at Boarding House Park starts July 11(mostly on Wednesday & Thursday mornings)
  • July 4th – can’t yet find any information on city festivities – please share if you know!
  • July 26-28 – Folk Festival

March 25, 2024
Minutes of the Meeting

President Laura Lamarre Anderson convened the meeting at 7:02 PM.

Treasurer Greene reported a balance of $2,312.29, which reflects no deposits or
expenditures.
The minutes of the February 26 meeting were unanimously approved on a motion and
second from Ginny Burnham and Stephen Greene.

LPD Lt. Dawn Beauchesne provided the police report which showed 5 aggravated assaults
all of which were cleared. There was a “smash and grab” at 121 Church Street, and 3
breaking and entering incidents with suspects arrested. There was a slight uptick in car
breaks due to a TikTok challenge focused on Kia and Honda vehicles. Nonetheless, per
usual, 4 of the other 5 were involved unlocked cars. Rounding out the report was a
disorderly conduct at River Place (3 juveniles arrested), an attempted carjack at 79
Merrimack St. and a pair of vandalisms (egged cars).
The lieutenant took questions regarding trash/sanitation issues behind the Saab Building,
as well as concerns about police and health inspectors frequently calls to 103 Central St.

Parking Director Terry Ryan, the featured speaker, stated his focus is on improving
lighting, staffing, security and improved accessibility in all the garages. He outlined several
of the maintenance and facility upgrades at the downtown garages including:
 Roy Garage: new steel doors; re-striping, roof repairs; 24 new cameras and a 65” monitor in the office
 John Street Garage and Ayotte Garage: 5 million dollar renovation starting summer ’24; drainage repairs; new EV charging stations and additional security.
Mr. Ryan indicated that the city requested a complete review of all the city’s parking fees to
address revenue shortfalls. Some of the increases under consideration by the City Council
include increases in meter rates and an extending meter to 8pm. Garage rates for
downtown residents would increase from $78 to $93 per month and from $43 to $46.50 for
seniors/ disabled. Discussion and questions followed.

District Councilor Wayne Jenness reported that the Economic Development Sub-committee
would be meeting to receive a presentation on UML’s development plans for the East
Campus. He also spoke about the apparently stalled situation at the Hamilton Canal District.
And with regard to the new parking fee proposal, he was receptive to the suggestion that
any changes take effect July 1 to provide residents and HOAs time to adjust their budgets
etc. ​

At 8:20 pm, the meeting adjourned upon a motion by Greg Lamarre Anderson and Bob
Casey.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Casey, Secretary

Our newly elected president, Laura Lamarre Anderson, started the meeting
at 7:00 PM. She introduced the treasurer, Stephen Greene, who took the
minutes. Bob Casey, the secretary, was away.

The January meeting minutes were approved.
The treasurer reported that there is $2,312.29 our account. This included a
previously reported $30 deposit and recent $70 deposit. There were no
disbursements.

The police report was given by Lieutenant Dawn Beauchesne, Shift
Supervisor. Lt. Beauchesne is part of the new organizational structure
announced at our January meeting by Captain Daniel Desmarais. Lt.
Beauchesne has been here in Lowell for 29 years and recently promoted to
Lt.
Though February crime statistics were not available, Lt. Beauchesne reported
on both earlier and current issues. Previously reported problems with high
school students in the Victorian Park was followed up. A male from Market
Mills was selling alcohol to the students. On other issues, 2 assaults
occurred between people known to each other. The Hundai / Kia TickTok car
theft challenge has been attempted in town. The police have stepped up
patrols of the garages after concerns were raised about lax security.
The Lowell Police Department is still recovering from the earlier cyber attack.
Local crime mapping that we received in the past is in the process of being
fixed. Other neighborhood concerns were electric scooters on sidewalks. Lt.
Beauchesne reported that a City wide speed limit of 25 mph will start to be
rolled out in June.

Guest speaker, Julie Galonska, Lowell National Historical Park Superintendent
was introduced followed by Kevin Kavanagh, Division Chief, LNHP law
enforcement. Chief Kavanagh explained what his department oversees in
our neighborhood. Kevin talked about the National Park System, including
showing some beautiful slides. He discussed the various collaborative roles
the Lowell National Historic Park plays in the City. These include security and
public safety. Because there are Federal, State, Department of Conservation
and Recreation, City and private interests in the National Park area,
significant cooperative activity takes place. His department will work with the
Lowell Police Department or other City agencies as the need dictates. ​
Dealing with some homeless situations have required working with multiple
groups to come to a humane resolution of the incident.

General information. Downtown, the Town and City Festival is coming in
April. Winter Fest was great in it’s new Palmer, Middle Street, St Anne’s
location.

Laura has created a colorful poster with a QR code for general meeting
notification. Stephen reported he is looking into hybrid meetings with the
objective to get more people involved in the neighborhood meetings. A
resident (condo trustee) asked about forming a downtown condo association
group. Ken Michienzi briefly reported that combined sewer overflow
notification reports to the Merrimack are available online, but each town has
its own confusing system. He has a system that reports for the river. His
contact information is Ken Michienzi, The MerrimacK Company,
Ken@merrimacKco.com, 508-633-3239.

Looking for ideas for investing our
voluntary dues in our neighborhood including Spring/Summer neighborhood
activities.
Spread the word about our meetings and invite your neighbors. All downtown
residents are welcome!

Stephen Greene, Secretary pro tem

President Jack Moynihan began the meeting at 7:00 PM. He introduced the Treasure, Stephen Greene
and noted that the secretary, Robert Casey, was away.
The minutes for the October and November meetings were approved with no changes. The was no
meeting in December.
Stephen Greene gave the treasure’s report. LDNA has $2,212.29 in its account at Enterprise Bank. This
reflected a $30.00 deposit and no disbursements.

Captain Dan Desmarais presented the Police Report. He began with the restructuring of the Department
on January 8 th with one captain over the whole city rather than 3 sectors. This reorganization provides
better coordination and allocation of resources. This includes improvement in day shift outreach and
sharing information among shifts. He also reported on crime statistics for November, December and the
first 3 weeks of January. Car breaks were the major category. Residents are reminded that most car
breaks were to unlocked vehicles. He minded folks to lock their cars and not leave any items of value
visible. There were 6 disorderlies and 7 vandalisms. The Captain will be meeting with Garage Security
with the objective of reducing car breaks in the garages.

Captain Desmarais reported that several “gypsy thefts” occurred in the Lowell area. A car with a driver
and passenger drive up to potential victim on the street and talk them in to trying a piece of jewelry
similar to what the potential victim is wearing. The plan is to switch a good piece of jewelry with a flashy
piece of junk before they speed off. Another item of interest he reported was the Tic Tok Kia/Hyundai car
theft challenge, to break into these cars and steal them.
Captain Desmarais has reached out to the Inn and Conference Center’s security team. There is no longer a
sector office at Eastern Bank. Neighbors have reported kids at the Victorian Park and suspected drug
activity. Security in the Hamilton Garage has been absent. Garage management has been poor overall
and it is hoped that a new garage manager will improve the situation. The Captain received praise for his
past work in Back Central.

Newly Elected Mayor Danny Rourke was introduced by Jack. Mayor Rourke presented a brief update of
work currently going on in the City or which is in process. A few items include the Downtown
Wayfinding – new signs and kiosks for downtown including garages which will be installed this Spring.
Jackson Street Park which Councilor Jenness reported last year. A number of development projects on
Market, Merrimack and Middlesex St. A new Sushi restaurant on Merrimack. Plans for an Economic
Development Coordinator for the Downtown and Neighborhoods by this Spring. During Questions,
Mayor Rourke took questions on downtown snow removal particularly at corners, cross walks and bus
stops which is a challenge for pedestrians. Persistent potholes on major streets was also mentioned.

Elections were held. Jack Moynihan has stepped down after 10 years as co-president and president. His
service is greatly appreciated. Laura Lamarre Anderson has stepped into the breach as the nominee for
president. The slate for elections: Laura Lamarre Anderson, president: Robert Casey, Secretary; Stephen
Greene, Treasurer. The slate was elected/reelected. Thank you, Laura.​

Leticia Marques from City Hall announced that there are about 5 Board or Commission openings in the
City. If you are interested, contact City Hall, boards@lowellma.gov for more information. You can also
check the City Website.

Winter Fest is February 16-17 and in a new downtown location – Middle and Palmer Streets, Enterprise
Bank Parking lot and St Anne’s.

Wayne Jenness thanked his constituents for reelecting him. He also reported that a new Women’s
National Hockey League is playing at the Tsongas. He said they are playing excellent hockey and support
will help keep them playing in Lowell.

Stephen will share the LDNA web site with Market Mills management to encourage wide participation in
the Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association meetings.

Stephen Greene, Secretary pro tem.

November 27, 2023
Minutes of the Meeting

President Jack Moynihan called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM.
Treasurer Greene reported a balance of $2212.29, which reflects no new deposits or
expenditures. Approval of the minutes of the October 23 was postponed.

LPD Sgt. Christy Delaney gave the police report and noted that the data are now being
provided via the LPD servers for the first time since the cyber attack earlier this year. The
statistics indicated a good month overall with no particular spikes in incidents reported. Of
10 car breaks, 8 of the entries were gifted by vehicle owners who left their cars unlocked.
Two of 4 burglaries resulted in arrests and the cases closed. Similarly, 5 of 6 charges of
disorderly conduct resulted in arrests. There were 12 incidents of vandalism though the
events appear to be random. Sgt. Delaney then took questions from some of the members.

Jean Yang, from the CEO of Vinfen, gave a short presentation about the
agency and its mission before introducing Executive Director Daniella Johnson. Daniella
explained that VBH Community Services, currently headquartered at 40 Church Street is in
the process of moving many of its services to a site on Varnum Ave, which will be closer to
Lowell General Hospital and improve articulation of their services. The current Church
Street facility will remain open for the time being.
Daniella outlined that VBHC provides walk-in service for both youth and adults with a
range of services including experiencing mental health or substance abuse emergencies.
The services are rendered in one on one, group or family settings. Along with walk-in or
appointments, VBHC also has a mobile crisis intervention program and maintains
partnerships with both the GLTCHS and Middlesex Community College where they provide
on-site clinicians. Vinfen accepts patients with or without health insurance and derives a
good deal of its funding from state and federal sources.
Before closing, Daniella talked about ways to support Vinfen and also mentioned that, like
many organizations, they struggle to fill positions and are actively engaged in hiring staff at
various levels.

Before adjournment, Jack Moynihan announced that after 10 years as “interim” president
of LDNA, he is planning to step down and continue to participate as member (in pretty
good standing). He spoke hopefully about LDNA’s future and offered to support its next
leader.

With no further business, at 7:48 pm, the motion to adjourn passed unanimously on a
motion and second from Laura L. Anderson and Greg Anderson.​

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Casey,
Secretary

October 23, 2023 Minutes of the Meeting

President Jack Moynihan convened the meeting at 7:00PM.
Treasurer Greene reported a balance of $2212.29, which reflects no new deposits or
expenditures.

The minutes of the meetings of August 28 and September 25 were unanimously approved
on motions by Stephen Greene with Laura Lamarre Anderson seconding each.

LPD Captain Marisol Nobrega reported for the months of September and October. There
were 8 aggravated assaults, some involving high school students with LPD and its school
resource officers assisting. There were 4 burglaries, with one perpetrator accounting for 3
of the crimes. As usual, most of the 9 car breaks were due to unlocked cars and the captain
again repeated LPD’s reminder to lock up and keep valuables off the seats and in the trunk.
There were 3 disorderly conduct arrests. Plus, 5 patrons of Trend on Merrimack St were
arrested following a late night incident requiring back up cruisers to the scene. Trend
owners and management have been slated for a disciplinary hearing before the Licensing
Commission. Along with a robbery where the suspected shoplifter was arrested, there were
10 incidents of random vandalism along with 2 tagging (graffiti) incidents. Before taking a
few questions, the Captain announced that the Downtown LPD satellite station housed in
Eastern Bank has been closed.

Next was a Meet-the-candidates for City Council. LDNA invited all the city-wide and district
4 candidates. In attendance were Wayne Jenness (District 4), and at-large candidates Rita
Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Eric Gitchier, Cory Belanger, Bobby Tugbiyele and Virak Uy.
Moderated by Bob Casey, the forum included a 5 minute presentation from each candidate
followed by questions from the audience. Each of the candidates was invited to respond to
questions on issues from homelessness, to housing to reinvigorating the downtown
economy. While there was plenty of back and forth, the candidates were gracious to each
other and responsive to the questions posed from the audience. As the forum concluded
Bob thanked the candidates for participating during a very busy week of stops on the
campaign trail.

At 8:25 pm with no further business, the meeting adjourned on a motion by Sally Coulter
and a second from Stephen Greene.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Casey,
Secretary

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association
Minutes of the Meeting of September 28, 2023

Jack Moynihan called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM.

Treasurer Greene reported our balance at $2,212.29 which reflects a $20 deposit against no expenditures.

Approval of the minutes for the August 28 was deferred to the next meeting.

Jack introduced Captain Marisol Nobrega, the newly appointed commander of Charley District which includes downtown. Captain Nobrega has been working on introducing herself to the district and has met with other neighborhood groups and recently held a meeting with downtown business owners. She also has secured an additional officer (despite the department being short 36 officers) and is working toward greater police visibility and presence downtown. The captain reported that there were 70 arrests throughout the entire district over the past 2 months. Downtown incidents ranged from assaults(2); disorderly conduct (6); car break-ins (7); a burglary at Fuse Bistro; a robbery at an ATM at 148 Central Street; vandalism at 70 Merrimack Street. Captain Nobrega briefly discussed the shooting incident at Canal Place on September 22, stressing it was not a random incident and was still under investigation. (Subsequent to this meeting, LPD did make an arrest). Questions about homeless sleeping in doorways, noisy vehicles, and the status of the ICC came up. Captain Nobrega closed by distributing her contact information and urged DTL residents to contact her anytime.

Jack introduced Councilor Corey Robinson to speak about his idea to develop plans to utilize the upper floors of downtown garages. With the current excess of available parking spaces, the councilor spoke about the innovative approach taken in Lawrence where they converted the top floor of a garage into 4 turf fields for youth and adult sports programs. He asked the members for their ideas and received several suggestions and a good deal of support for the concept. Among the suggestions were a dog park and bocce courts.

Councilor Eric Gitchier was also in attendance, and Jack invited him to speak . He mentioned that he was filing a motion to study the possibility of demolition of the Smith Baker Center. He indicated he believes the facility has fallen into severe disrepair.

Treasurer Greene spoke next and suggested that with more than $2,000 in our account, it may be time to think about either funding a project or planning a social event in the near future. Discussion to be continued

.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned, following a motion and second by Stephen Greene andLaura Lamarre-Anderson at 8:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted
Robert Casey,
Secretary

Minutes of the June 26, 2023 Meeting

Jack Moynihan called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM.

The minutes of the June 26 meeting were approved on a motion by Sally Coulter and Judy Huber.

LPD Captain Dan Desmarais began the police report by reminding residents that the best way to curtail car break-ins is to lock their vehicles. Additional activity in the downtown district included a few juveniles with BB guns apprehended following the Folk Festival; random downtown sweeps for nuisance wheelies, bikes and scooters; stepped up traffic stops for speeding; and increased surveillance in the Appleton Street/South Common area. With schools opening, LPD has assigned an additional officer to the district resulting in increased coverage through 9pm.

Jack introduced our fellow DTL resident, State Representative Vanna Howard who represents 46,000 residents in DTL, Back Central, Belvidere, and a portion of Tewksbury. Rep Vanna highlighted the 2024 budget which included increases for education, transportation, early childhood, mental health, family housing and workforce development. She also reported Lowell will receive 1.9 million in CH 90 funds, and 21.4 million in federal funds for bridge repair/replacement on Broadway St, Market St, Lawrence St and Swamp Lock at the Hamilton Canal District. Her office continues to work closely with MADOT on brush removal, clean ups and infrastructure projects. With respect to Public Health measures, Rep Howard indicated the state is tracking increases in tick bites and COVID. She strongly supported the implementation of 988, the state’s new suicide prevention hotline.

Treasurer Stephen Greene reported reported a balance of $2,192.29 with no deposits or expenditures.

Prior to adjourning, Jack mentioned some of the upcoming events that make for a lively period in DTL, including: International Overdose Prevention Day (8/31); the annual Kinetic Race (9/16); the opening of One Lowell, the NPS interactive exhibit (9/23); and the Bay State Marathon (10/15).

The motion and second to adjourn by Sally Coulter and Stephen Greene passed unanimously at 8:16 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Casey,
Secretary